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Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

The artichoke is a perennial garden vegetable of the compositae family
It likes the sun and must be protected during the winter

artichoke

ROTATION

The artichoke doesn't enter into crop rotation because it is a perennial and stays 3 or 4 years in the same place.

CULTIVATION

The first year harvesting is impossible because the plant is too weak.
It can perhaps be harvested the second year if it is sufficiently mature.
This vegetable crops well during 3 or 4 years after that don't count on an important harvest.
It is propogated by crown-division or sideshoots in March and April, or by seeds sown in February and March in a cold frame.  

NEIGHBOURING PLANTS

The artichoke likes being near to other compositaes (lettuce) also cabbage and beans.

DISEASES AND PARASITES

The artichoke is sensitive to damp in winter and its roots can rot.
The "white" ( brown marks on the leaves), and gray mould can be preventively treated  with a Bordeaux mixture.
Flea beetles,aphids, grubs and molluscs are the principal pests.

ADVICE

The artichoke dislikes a too wet soil in winter and a too dry soil in summer.
The mounding of soil and mulching around the plants is beneficial, as is a light spreading of sea salt.